UK Tightens Rules for Online Prescriptions of Weight-Loss Drugs

New guidelines require stricter verification processes to address safety concerns and reduce inappropriate access to medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro.

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) now mandates online pharmacies to independently verify patient information, such as BMI, through video consultations, in-person assessments, or medical records.
Weight-loss medications, including Wegovy and Mounjaro, have been classified as high-risk drugs requiring additional safeguards to prevent misuse.
The updated rules prohibit prescribing based solely on online questionnaires or email exchanges and require two-way consultations with prescribers.
Pharmacies must ensure no conflicts of interest, such as incentives for issuing prescriptions, and adhere to stricter advertising standards in collaboration with regulatory bodies.
Enforcement measures for non-compliance include improvement plans, restrictions on medication supply, and potential suspension of pharmacy operations.